that. >> that -- aim glad you're able. to india walton, thank you for your time tonight. thank you all for watching. we're off next week. we'll be back july 11th at 8:00 p.m. eastern. you can catch me monday through thursday on "the choice" on streaming channel peacock. now time to turn it over to joshua johnson. >> hey. there i think it's about to get louder here than the conversation you just had. good to see you tonight. hello to you. i'm joshua johnson. great to be with you tonight for our especially "the week in pride." the we're live at the birthplace of the modern lgbtq rights movement, the stonewall inn. the celebrations are lively, you'll hear from lawmakers and activists about how far this community has come and where it goes from here. we'll focus on the equality act,

the generational divide and what representation looks like. from nbc news here in new york, i'm joshua johnson. welcome to a special edition of "the week." >> welcome back. the festivities are smaller today, at least by new york standards because of the pandemic. they are as visible as environment we are pride flags all over manhattan. visibility is the point of the attacks since they raided the stonewall inn in 1969. before it was gay pride. they called it a mash against police brutality one year after the raid. there was a liberation march in

manhattan demanding social change and rejectsing corporate sponsorship that is more a part of a larger pride vent. do all the events have anything in common? what is the point of pride? question may think of it like a horror movie. >> when steven spielberg made jaws," that medicalal shark broke down constantly. they depicted it without showing it. manufacture the shots showed an implied attack. turns out not showing the shark made it scarier. the scariest thing in your mind is the unknown. it will fill in the gaps with your worst fears when it's ignorance becomes overwhelming much that's why stereotypes

about lgbtq people are powerful. your brain bakes the other half. no one can scare us like we can scare ourselves. and that is why pride events have been so powerful, especially as they have become more diverse. some say they should be more conventional and muted. you never know who is looking. but that's the point f whoever is looking sees you as anything less than what you actually are, then you missed a chance to dispel the fear that comes with invisibility. everybody here reminds someone of someone they know. if you want to stay closed minded in the face of all that, you're going to need a bigger boat. now maybe five parades no longer thrill you or shock you, maybe all the people coming out and letting their flags fly is starting to feel less revolutionary and more commonplace. that might mean the outright hatred this community faced at stonewall eased into a little more connection and respect and

love. visibility is the anti-dote to fear. that is the point of pride. and we have so much to show you in this hour. beginning right here in new york in greenwich village. new york's pride celebrations were in full swing today. different cities hold pride celebrations differently. some cities have already had their events, others were online only or rescheduled because of the pandemic. you can see some of the schedules in some of the biggest cities across the country. now the stonewall inn over my shoulder is synonymous with the lgbtq rights moment. this place was very different 250 years ago. let's start with martin boyce. welcome to the show. it's good to you have with us. >> thank you. >> how you have spent the day to day? >> prepared to do this. >> what's been on your mind as you've been preparing to do this and walking around the festival? >> i was thinking. when all this started out or at stonewall, we were not a unified group. there were two or three

different types of people. and when we didn't particularly care for each other. and now there is a real feeling of unity. something that we would have attempted to get then but weren't going realize right away. now it is that way. >> what was it like before stonewall, the reign that happened on the day that has become famous was definitely not the only raid. this is pretty common. >> it was common. if you weren't in a bar, you go watch it. you take the drag queens out. they would cover faces. it was a spectacle. it's hike we were checking in a hot. it was something to see and something to participate in we tell our friends and our point of view of spectators to the raid not a good one. it was -- it didn't do anything to stop the police or any application whatsoever. even within our group. so we all knew this kind of

things happen all the time. there just never was a unified feeling that we had to react. it was always off guard. >> was there a moment on that day when you knew that raid was going to end differently than others have? >> yes. when they kicked in the stonewall, i didn't realize first time i saw something totally different. >> what went through your mind when you saw that? doesn't she know what is going to happen? and it did happen. she ran into the back of the patty wagon. it did happen. but something else happened. because when you do this, like they always dshgs get the hell out of here. we didn't. he turned around in confidence thing we would not function. but all of us, one by one moved. i don't know what we looked like. but he saw what we looked like. and the hair on his neck went up and he ran into the bar. >> how quickly did you begin to notice change as a result of stonewall? is there a moment when the community here had to realize it

would happen in '69 had a bigger impact than they expected? >> immediately. but not by word of mouth. more by action. there was more political activity on this street than there was in st. petersberg in 1917. people didn't think of freedom. because it couldn't have come up. and that's what happened. it's true. we were ready. so was it was ignited but we were all ready. everything change in the gay world. >> a lot what is going on here has to do with the presence of the nypd. they asked the nypd's uniformed officers asked them to stay way from the festivities this year. they're still here policing this area. we got some reports of some interactions of the attendees. but what is your sense of the presence of uniformed officers at pride events today? opinions seem to be mixed about that. >> yes. it's very hard to say. i don't know why they should be pointed out. they're always there.

they're a part of it. they're a part of our history. the worst past part of our history. i don't know. i don't have any animosity towards them in that way. i don't like them. i never d i don't have good memories of them. but i have no hard feelings about them or animosity. if they can keep peace and order as long as they're not in control, i can't see why not having them. >> there is a whole new generation of activism today including the folks who are here and the people who are at the queer liberation march earlier today. how much do you understand the lessons that were learned in the early years after stonewall? there is a cause. the whether it is martin luther king or us in the '60s.

you have to know your enemy and how people thought. if they have the agenda over everyone else, they're not going to get that footing. they need that footing to fight. >> what do you make of all this when you look around at the way that greenwich village and the stonewall he involved. what do you think? >> i can't believe it. the old days, we used to say you got here in one piece. and then our friends. but nothing like this. all these people would be arrested. >> if this were that many people -- >> they would have been throwing battles around. this is explosive. >> what you would like to see happen going forward from here, this area, the stonewall inn, what you would like it area to look like 50 years from now? >> i hope it would reverence that is attached to this. that depends on how we.

a lot will be explained. that's where we are now. >> martin boyce, it's a pleasure to meet you sir. thank you very much. >> thank you. >> thank you very much. there is much more to come tonight from stonewall. 70% of americans say that they support the equality act. it passioned the house in february. so what's the hold up in in the senate? two members of congress will join us next. but first, pride is happening all around the world, of course. check out these images from from italy. st there are two lawmakers, we'll meet them in a moment. plus there in italy, they're sending a message with signs and with style. we'll have much more in a moment. for now, let's head back to 30 rock why we have the headlines. >> jonathan, very good evening to you on this sunday. we have breaking news. u.s. conducted air strikes against iran backed militia groups in iraq and syria on sunday. the targeted militias are said to be behind recent drone attacks against the u.s. military in iraq. a statement from the pentagon

says president biden directed action to disrupt and deter such attacks. biden did not stop to speak to reporters earlier when asked about those air strikes. and then breaking news about the florida condo building collapse. officials have now identified four of the nine victims and removed more debris from that site. more than 150 people are still unaccounted for. >> serena williams announced she'll not play in the tokyo olympics. williams did not give a reason as to why she didn't plan to attend. previously williams has won gold for the u.s. four times. more of "the week" right after this break. more of "the week" right after this break only pay for what i need. 'cause i do things a bit differently. wet teddy bears! wet teddy bears here! only pay for what you need. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪ tonight, i'll be eating a pork banh mi with extra jalapeños. [doorbell rings] thanks, baby. yeah, we 'bout to get spicy for this virtual date.

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as i said as a presidential candidate when i first joined congress, it's time for the united states senate to pass the equality act and put the legislation on my desk.

>> that was president biden on friday. urging senate to pass the equality act. that bill would amend the 1964 civil rights act. the equality act passed the house in february but it faces an uncertain future in the senate. polling shows that 70% of americans say they support the bill. let's discuss with the senator from ohio. he is the fourth openly gay man in congress. great to see you. let me start with you. what do you think the time line is for this bill? a democrat from wisconsin says there has been in her words incremental progress. but she's not sure that there are ten senate republicans onboard to move this forward. >> as you mentioned, we passed this in early february.

and we have been working hard to convince the senate republicans to support equality for the lgbtq plus community. as you pointed out, vast majority of americans support equality for our community, no discrimination is wrong. in fact, majority of voters in every single state in the country believe lgbtq americans should live lives free of discrimination from any kind. this is really about congress catching up to where the american people are and the republicans in particular. the only place the act is controversial is in the senate republican caucus. we're going to keep pressing until we have the full protection of the law. we're going to work hard to get votes in the senate. much president biden said it's a priority for him. he wants the bill on his desk so that once and for all every single american can live a life free from discrimination of any

kind. congresswoman newman, what about the other side in terms of time line for the community? so far this year states have passed at least 20 anti-lgbtq bills through state legislatures. 250 more have been introduced. what is the time line for the community? >> i think the time is now as we've been saying for decades. these ridiculous bills are a solution without a problem. these are all just based in hate. you know, when you don't have an argument, every attorney every judge will tell you use red herrings. that's what these are. the reporting team that has gone to all the legislative folks that authored the horrifying and ridiculous bills asked is there data? is there a study? is there an incident?

is there an episode? there is not so much as anent he can as an anecdote. the number is closer to 80% in a lot of studies. he the reality is numerically and statistically, it's almost impossible for the senators voting no to vote with their constituents. i suggest they do the math. >> one of the objections to this legislation in general is that it might infringe on religious rights for people who do not necessarily have the same views about these people as you have. is there a way to reconcile this kind of legislation with the first amendment or do you think that's just a red herring? >> there is nothing that would impith on the exercise of

religion. the same exemptions apply to gender identity. we're not asking for any more religious exemptions but we wont accept any less. whatever exist in current law remain. that is not a basis upon which to object to the act. as my wonderful colleague mentioned, the people that need the act the most is the transjenter community. the idea that folks are using this community as a thing against the act is horrifying and wrong and is inexcusable. we're going to prevail. we'll live in a country once and for all where members of the lgbtq community can live. this fight began 52 years ago. we not reached the promise land yet. equality act will get us there. . the senate republicans need to understand that they have a responsibility to respond to the

demands of their constituents that understand equalities, the founding principle of this great country and no one should be subject to discrimination in america. >> congresswoman newman, what does this time mean for you particularly as the mother of a transgender child and majrle with so many bills passed around the country as you referenced. how has that journey affected the way that this strikes you as a lawmaker, a policymaker and just as a mom? >> as a mom, it's infuriating. we are a very welcoming state to this community. however that, is not true in many states. and my daughter and i, my husband and my son tricon instantly to make sure that people are safe and equal. you know, all we're asking for is equality. nothing more, nothing less. the this is not an unusual request. and as my colleague said, a

couple times is that this is the basis of our constitution. so for me this is infuriating when i see the ridiculous laws on the books. but what i know is the american public wants this. whether it's the 70% study or the 80% study. i saw not too long ago. this country wants this piece of legislation. we're good people. so again, i stress those secondors choosing to vote against -- against their constituents, i think they're going to get a very ugly surprise at the ballot box. i recommend they really think about this before they vote. >> congressman, before i let you two go. the what is your sense of the pride celebrations and the future of them. some said now is the time for pride celebrations to return to the more political activist roots and get away from

entertainment and large corporate sponsorships. what do you think? >> i think pride is an important moment to celebrate our community, to affirm the dignity of every single member of our community and to just enjoy the company of each other. we have not achieved equality yet. we're facing difficult times. i hope people use it as a time to celebrate and then engage in this fight. you have to fight for freedoms. we need to continue to fight until we achieve equality in this great country. >> and very briefly, congresswoman, before we go? >> here in illinois we do political activism and a lot of good fun. we had a lot of parties this month. so we like to have fun here. but we also know why we're

fighting. and not a day goes by in the month of june that we don't remember. that so it your way. >> rhode island congressman and illinois congresswoman, thank you very much. new research shows a significant portion of younger folks identify as part of the lgbtqui community. that factors into the running debate over who belongs at pride. playing a character, molly bernard understand her own sexuality. she will join us when we come back. but first, here's what we heard from people here about why pride matters to them. >> i just came out to my family recently. so i'm really happy about. that i came to celebrate, you know, my sexuality and come to find out who i am. know, my sexuality and come to find out who i am. hot dog or... chicken? only pay for what you need. ♪ liberty. liberty. liberty. liberty. ♪

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the lgbtq community is shifting because of young adults. this month the global survey had an interesting finding about generation z, folks born in 1997 or after. they were nearly four times more likely than people over 40 to say they identify as transgender, gender nonconforming, gender fluid or in another way. and that mibt because they grew up in it a world with much more visibility and equality than previous generations did. bernard said her her formance with a character helped her become more confident and open with her own sexuality. she joins us now for her new movie "milk water" is on apple will tv and amazon prime video and netflix on july 18th. glad to have you here. >> happy to be here. >> first of all, for people not familiar with that word,

pansexual, what does that mean? >> in the context of my character, best quoted by a character who played my mother and she says oh, lauren, she'll sleep with anything. but i think pansexual as a meaningful term is, you know, someone who identifies outside of the binaries of the sexualities that we typically identify with. and, you know, my partner is a nonbinary person. by neff decision that, makes me not buy sexual but pansexual. we're living through a language shift. >> how to understand that character and help you understand yourself? >> i feel like, you know, season by season the writers would have my character sleep with women, sleep with men. there was one story line actually was cut but there was a thing that was outside of the norm, the typical. and my character also had kind of defined -- she has a

beautiful moan owe log about the lgbtq community and she really helped me understand what it is to embody a pansexual person. >> talk about the impact you're seeing with tv shows like younger, on younger people, in terms of the way that they engage with sexuality and gender identity. every so often we hear about new characters who are coming out or more out. there was major character who came out this week. i won't give it away for people that haven't seen it. there was that reveal this week. what impact do you see in terms of just pop culture? >> as a person that just wrapped a seven year series playing a pansexual person, it's only since the show wrapped that i realize how aspirational she s she is the only person that has parents on the tv show and she is just vibrantly herself. she loves herself, right? there is the importance of lauren heller is important.

the younger that they have come up with people like lauren is important. you can come out and it doesn't have to be traumatic. >> what is your sense of the value of the labels? i met a lot of young people, i think this is fabulous. they say i don't like any of these labels. i don't like what they mean. i don't like what they ka note. but i don't know what i am. i'm trying to devine it. you don't like the label that's are there but you need some way to tell others what and who you are and to tell yourself what and who you are. >> that's a great question. i think we're living through the answers. that is real good. and to quote my other favorite author. the she wrote a book and basically the entire thesis of the book is language is oppressive. when you fit outside of the

binary box and another answer to your question, we're living through a very inclusive time. so the more labels there are, it's simultaneously fabulous and also isolating. i know dl well, which one am i? who do people view me as, right? it's a day by day. last year i thought i was bisexual but i'm a career person. who the heck knows. the. >> i can let you go without asking about how your pride month has been, festivities, celebrations and how you reflect on it. >> i've been here all day. >> in around this area since noon. we had a pride bunch, my partner and i. we did a pride brunch. my pride month is beautiful and reflective and so moving to see our city back. ghost town no more.

she's alive and well. >> i hear that. molly bernard, "milk water" is available on amazon prime video. it comes to netflix in july. the also younger is streaming on paramount plus and air onz tv land starting july 7th. thanks very much. yeah. see, she got applause. can you clap for molly. go ahead. there you go. the today's celebration here's in new york have a been peaceful. we don't have any reports of major incidents related to pride. we have heard of a few incidents involving officers around town which we're working to confirm. generally, uniformed officers have kept a rather low profile. organizers asked them to keep their distance until and unless more was done about police brutality against the community. that was the reason stonewall. that is one of the latest examples of the long standing debate over how pride should evolve of as the community evolves. let's continue now with ebony bell being, founder and editor in chief of "tag" magazine.

and raquel willis, award winning writer and activist. let me start with you with a general question. how has your pride been this year? what's it been like for you? >> wow. my pride is great. we really kicked off this season with a queer liberation march. and we had a lot of powerful transview speaking their truth. we don't often see that in this time. but that legislation is often targeting them. and we got to continue to elevate their voices. >> talk about the importance of the queer liberation march. that is something i think got more attention partly because of more activism and a lit more i didn't think six directed at the main pride celebration for some of the corporate dies and for the relationship with the nypd which shifted a bit. but this year's march seemed to have almost a different tone or a different elevation this year. >> yeah. well, i think that there was a lot of inspiration probably for nyc pride and heritage of pride from the ways that they moved in the last few years.

really leaning on communities. with he have come up with safety routes and safety procedures to keep our people safe. because we know even black and brown, queer and trans people are facing violence. that's been important. i've been so lucky and blessed to be a part of the organizing team for brooklyn liberation. last year we had 20,000 folks come out. this year, of course, we had people coming out for transview. >> and ebony, with regards to that, that was one of the interesting things that we saw last year despite covid-19 that there were a number of people who still came out and held marches and rallies in what would have normally been pride movement but there was this kind of black queer lives matter, black translives matter. how much do you see that influence from 2020 carrying over into pride celebrations this year. >> over past year with george

floyd and breonna taylor and the instance officials the past year, especially last year. i think it's the first time that we're starting to see pride organizers and nonblack and brown lgbtq members really stand up and understand intersection alt and understand that our community is multifaceted. and me personally, it's the first time that i'm seeing this more of a mentality of no person left behind. so we're now in a very unique situation where we have a unique opportunity to reinvent pride. to not only reinvent pride but to figure out what we want to be moving forward. and how do make real change. and i think we're going to continue to start seeing that year after year, especially with the way that we see police at

our pride festivals and our parades. >> yeah. with regard to that, raquel, there was some controversy this year in terms of the nypd and the san francisco police department -- somebody setting off fireworks over there. everything is cool. those are fireworks overhead. but there were fireworks this year with pride in terms of organizers telling the nypd to stay back. also sf pride told the san francisco police department to stay back. we should note there are still nypd officers around here. with he have word that a few people were arrested this evening in washington square park which is just that way from where we are. though we're not clear on what the charges are. what do you make of that piece of the evolution of pride, the relationship with law enforcement? >> well, i think you can't talk about pride or the history of our movement without talking about state violence that police brutality. queer and transpeople have been criminalizeded throughout the history of the united states. and everything that we see here, everything that happened during

the night since the stonewall riots was a queer militant uprising against the nypd . we have to talk about how black, queer, and trans people are on the front line of the discussion about defunding police and abolition and we'll continue to be. >> and excuse me, right before we have to go for law enforcement agencies who see this and maybe want to improve relations, they maybe want to turn things around, what is the one thing you would like to see law enforcement organizations do first before we go? >> it needs to be addressed from within. and we need to start seeing that open communication happening not only in house but outside in the communities as well. this isn't an attack on police. this isn't we don't like you. we don't want you to be here. this is the fact that it is still happening now and hasn't ben address the since stonewall. the first step is acknowledge that it's happening. and acknowledge that you want to do better.

>> ebony bell, raquel willis. i didn't know you were coming that fabulous. >> i have to show out for pi people. >> you have to tell me so i can be on par. that's all right. >> next year. >> we'll do this again next year. >> thank you both very much. again, people setting off fireworks here over the stonewall inn. we're going to continue our celebration here in greenwich village. it's been ten years since new york legalized same-sex marriage. it's been that long. and our next guest had something to do with that. you'll meet him just ahead. but first, let's take a look at how pride is being celebrated around the world. these are images from berlin. you can see people dancing and celebrating at a rally to highlight visibility and freedom. highlight visibility and freedom.

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years since the state of new york legalized same sex marriage. it happened on june 24th, 2011 after a string of painful failures. new york's marriage equality act passed the republican controlled senate 33-29. andrew cuomo signed the bill into law at five minutes to midnight. celebrations poured into the streets in new york city including here in front of the stonewall inn. the wall took effect one month later. more than 800 couples tied the knot on the very first day. that law might never have been passed without an army of volunteers and elected officials including our next guest, new york state assembly member daby o'donnell. welcome. >> thank you. >> what do you remember about the pass? >> that it took five years. the house passed it three times before it went to the senate. and it took people all across

the state communicating with their elected officials about what they need. >> was it the same stumbling block here in new york as other states and other parts of the country? >> yes. because most people think new york is just this. and it's not. new york state is very diverse. some of it is more like ohio than new york city. and so in the beginning when i first got the bill, we only had 24 yes votes for marriage. two months later we put it on the floor and 85 people voted yes. >> when you were writing letters to your colleagues to try to get support for this at the time, you would end with a message from you and your partner with a time writing, john and i thank you for taking the time to consider this. i can only imagine how important it was for you personally at the time to see this become law. >>s is very personal. john and i have been together for 40 years. that's like 80 years for straight people. and we deserve the right to be treated equally under the law. i knew when i got to albany if i

wanted my relationship to be treated equally, i had to show that relationship to my colleagues. and i did. and i used every tactic i could think of to get them to vote yes. >> the objections you heard at the time, the things that people said to you then, how do you think the folks reflect on objections to day, ten years after this has become law snt sky has not clearly fallen in new york. >> well, i finally met president obama before he changed his mind, i told him that not a single het row extoll was harmed during my wedding. and the picture of me and him is him laughing very much. the reality is i don't want a religious ceremony. i want a piece of paper. the government gives a piece of paper. not a bad thing has happened anywhere in america because we have the same rikts as everyone else. >> the new york state has continued to pass more legislation in the state just recently. they passed a measure that would

allow people to change the vital statistic forms to con foirm with the gender identity and to do so privately. what more needs to be done here in new york state in your view? >> will well, last year i passed a bill, this year i massed the gender recognition law. and they both are very important. but the truth is those members are community who are trans are most at threat. they're most likely to get beat up or die. and so we need to make sure we do better education with our children and in our schools to ensure they're safe and have the proper law in society. >> what would it mean to see the equality act passed in congress? is the line between what you're able to do as a state lawmaker and things you really do need congress to do on capitol hill? >> it always helps when congress

does it. it gives a sense of relief and calmness to the local legislators who may be servous. we heard a lot of nervousness in 2007, 2011. that nervousness is gone. and my colleagues regularly ask me how john is. so that's a good thing. >> how is john? >> he's very tall and handsome. he's right there. >> indeed he is. >> indeed he is. st. >> yes, he is. so pride, let me ask you about this year. what has pride been like for you? have you been out marching or active or celebrating? >> my celebration starts right now. >> as soon as you get off this set? >> that's correct. i get to be with my people. this is the first time in 20 plus years i didn't march. and we were planning it, it was before covid-19 was resolved. we were not sure it was gag to happen. i'm happy to be here and out and see all the people if all different walks just being who they are. >> a little part of me jealous because you get to be with the

tribe with this. i have to work now and i have to get home and get to bed. i hope you enjoy this evening. danny o'donnell, thank you very much. >> joshua, my pleasure. >> yesterday we asked what you are taking pride in this month. one couple, evans and james, say they've been together almost 30 years. they were legally married in 2017. evans and james tell us their pride is keeping the promise made in 1993 to work at our relationship. open an honest communication, sprekt, support, and remaining intellect. thank you for sharing your story. we'll share more responses before we go. but first, here is more of why pride celebrations like this one matter. >> pride is to me love, happiness. doesn't matter what race or color you are. you all come together as one to celebrate and have a great time. >> happy pride, everybody. prid.

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before we go, let's read some e-mails. yesterday, we asked you what you are taking pride in this month. and you shared amazing stories with us. kathy writes that i am so proud of my gay son, alex. he is a wonderful gay man. he has four brothers that i love beyond words. they love each other and respect and care for each other. i'm proud that raising all of them, we instilled in them, love, understanding, compassion, justice and acceptance. the greatest of these is love. bill writes, i tell the story to my friends and family, after not speaking to my folks for 12 years after coming out to the, i knew i had to have a relationship to them. after i reached out, they love

me. more than i can imagine, their love for me mattered more than a dogmatic religion. it was then why i understood i could love myself as a gay man. and johannes from new jersey, writes, after watching your show, i felt compelled to respond to the bit on track tar shacarri richardson. we reside in tea neck, new jersey, where representation of our sort is not that visible. we take pride in being our authentic selves, with honoring the hard work and legacy before us, to ensure that we can live fruitful lives. a lot of you shared stories about your relationships. a very lovely thing to take pride in. we heard from andre. andre is getting engaged to his partner of five years. congratulations to you and your

partner.heather, who is celebrating 26 years together with her wife this fall. aaron and david are taking pride in being married for almost 20 years. wow. and rob and lee tied the knot last november. rob's mother witnessed the ceremony at age 100. what an honor to have you with us at the stonewall in. follow us on social media. we're on tiktok and twitter. go to our twitter account to view our latest callout for viewer questions. you can find us on instagram at the week. stay tuned for "pride of the white house." featuring conversations with lgbtq members of the biden administration, including pete buttigieg. until we meet again, i'm joshua johnson from stonewall. thank you for spending time with us. make it a wonderful week. good night.

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♪♪ i'm jonathan capehart, and welcome to the msnbc special "pride of the white house."